Empowering Native Youth with Dreamstarter®

Inspiring Native American Youth to Dream Big

Grants Awarded Annually to Transform Communities

Awarded to Native Youth Projects Since 2015

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Dreams Come True

Running Strong for American Indian Youth^® is cultivating the next generation of Native leaders. We believe in the dreams of young Native Americans to create stronger communities and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

Dreamstarter® Academy

Each year, Running Strong awards grants for Native American students to 10 youth and their non-profit mentor organizations to implement projects inspired by their dreams for their communities.

Dreamstarter® Creative

In 2021, we developed Dreamstarter® Creative to invest in Native artists who are upholding generations of culture and tradition through their artwork.

Dreamstarter® Teacher

In 2017, we launched Dreamstarter® Teacher, a companion program designed to support educators who work in majority-Native classrooms with unmet needs.

Dreamstarter® GOLD

In 2020, we selected five Dreamstarters to receive $50,000 to expand upon their original dreams for Indian Country.

Dreamstarter® Incubator

In 2022, we began working with Dreamstarters to develop new Running Strong programs inspired by their dreams through Dreamstarter® Incubator.

Keeping up with the Dreamstarters

Check out the most recent updates on your favorite Dreamstarters as they report on their projects, submit photos of their progress, and keep the dream alive.

Collage of participants in the Micro-Enterprise Development 2024-2025 program by Running Strong, supporting Native-owned small businesses.

2024-2025 Dreamstarter Teachers are shaping young learners

Microenterprise Development 2024 – 2025

Group of 2024 Dreamstarter participants wearing traditional Native blankets.

2024 Dreamstarters are Telling Their Stories

Dreamstarter recipient standing next to solar panels, working on a sustainable energy project to benefit Native communities.

Dreamstarter works to develop a sustainable solar panel

Two individuals planting crops in a community garden, part of Noah Proctor’s 2023 Dreamstarter project supporting food sovereignty for Native communities.

Cultivating Community: Noah Proctor’s 2023 Dreamstarter Garden

Group photo of the Dreamstarter Class of 2023, showcasing Native youth leaders committed to community-driven projects and cultural preservation.

Dreamstarter Class of 2023 – There is so much the Dreamstarters have accomplished!

Your support enables us to provide grants for Native American youth to fund programs that transform communities. Every donation empowers Native youth to achieve their dreams and address critical needs in their communities.